Many Californians, even those passionate about chess, may not be familiar with the name of Patrick Wolff. Grandmaster Wolff has been a significant figure in the California chess community for decades. As a two-time U.S. Chess Champion and a respected author and coach, Wolff has made substantial contributions to the chess world, both through hisContinueContinue reading “Chess Chat: Q&A with GM Patrick Wolff, Candidate for California Insurance Commissioner”
Tag Archives: california chess history
The CalChess Journal: Fall 2025
Announcing the Fall 2025 Edition of the CalChess Journal I am thrilled to announce the release of the Fall 2025 edition of the CalChess Journal, the official chess magazine for Northern California. This issue is packed with insightful articles on California’s chess history, tournament highlights, player spotlights, and expert analysis to inspire and elevate yourContinueContinue reading “The CalChess Journal: Fall 2025”
California Chess: Historical Figure, Dr. Walter Romaine Lovegrove
Greetings! My name is Chris Torres and I am a chess master who is passionate about California chess history. Today, I look forward to introducing you to another California Chess Historical Figure on my Daily Chess Musings YouTube Channel. Dr. Walter Romaine Lovegrove (1869–1956) holds a significant place in California’s chess history as a pioneeringContinueContinue reading “California Chess: Historical Figure, Dr. Walter Romaine Lovegrove”
Amateur West Chess Championship 2025
California chess history is constantly growing. Every weekend, the San Francisco Bay Area’s many chess tournaments become living chapters of history, written not by historians but on the chessboards in chess centers, school gyms, community centers and hotel ballrooms. Each rated chess game adds a line to the evolving story—bold openings tested, grinding endgames, andContinueContinue reading “Amateur West Chess Championship 2025”
California Chess: Historical Figure, Joseph Redding
Last time, we discussed the important role Selim Franklin played during the California Gold Rush era in establishing a culture of chess in Northern California and later becoming the best chess player in the region. Today, we will look at who he figuratively passed the torch to. Joseph Redding was born on September 13, 1859ContinueContinue reading “California Chess: Historical Figure, Joseph Redding”
California Chess: Historical Figure, Selim Franklin
https://youtube.com/live/iKU0AAVs0Fk?feature=share A key figure in California chess history arrived with the Gold Rush. Selim Franklin, the son of Liverpool Banker Lewis Franklin, emigrated from England on the St. George in October 1849 to San Francisco where he opened a store where miners could exchange their gold and played a role in organizing the San FranciscoContinueContinue reading “California Chess: Historical Figure, Selim Franklin”
Weibel Chess Coaches Face Off in Las Vegas
Francisco Anchondo is a noteworthy chess player and an important figure in Northern California chess history. As a tournament player, he had many successful results including winning the Club Championship at the esteemed Hayward Chess Club in 1994 and 1996. Additionally, he is was part of a very elite club of Fremont chess coaches whoContinueContinue reading “Weibel Chess Coaches Face Off in Las Vegas”
2025 US Amateur Team West Chess Tournament
Attending the 2025 US Amateur Team West Championship chess tournament In Milpitas, California was an absolutely delightful experience. This chess tournament always brings together a vibrant mix of familiar faces and opportunities for new friendships. Wandering the hallways, I could see how reuniting with old friends added a comforting sense of camaraderie to the eventContinueContinue reading “2025 US Amateur Team West Chess Tournament “
Born on this Day in 1958: International Master Emory Tate
Today is the late Emory Tate’s 66th birthday. I miss sitting across the chessboard with Emory. His uncompromising style always kept me against the ropes and his insights on chess improved my understanding greatly. But I miss talking to Emory most of all. On Friday, March 14, 2014, Emory and I had lunch together atContinueContinue reading “Born on this Day in 1958: International Master Emory Tate”
Puzzle Worthy Position 48
Neil Falconer (April 1, 1923 – April 5, 2014) Many NorCal chess players recognize the name “Falconer” in reference to an annual award given to the highest rated youth chess player in Northern California. Established in 1999, the Falconer Award has been given to such notable players as GM Vinay Bhat and GM Sam Shankland.ContinueContinue reading “Puzzle Worthy Position 48”
Winning Chess Moves: Barrameda vs. Zhang, 2009 USATW
With the 2024 US Amateur Team West chess tournament happening this weekend, it seemed rather fitting to share a winning chess move from a past edition of the USATW. Tonight’s winning chess move comes from the 2009 US Amateur Team West game between Gabriel Barrameda and Kevin Zhang. Gabriel (white) has just played 31. Ra3ContinueContinue reading “Winning Chess Moves: Barrameda vs. Zhang, 2009 USATW”
The CalChess Journal Honors Richard Shorman
https://youtu.be/4oz5Y6_IE1s View The CalChess Journal Fall 2023-Winter 2024 here OR download it below The-CalChess-Journal-Fall-2023_Winter-2024Download Greetings chess players! My name is Chris Torres and this is my Daily Chess Musing for Saturday, February 3, 2024. As the Editor for the CalChess Journal, I play an important role in presenting stories and preserving the history of chessContinueContinue reading “The CalChess Journal Honors Richard Shorman”
Congrats to the Winners of the August Free Online Summer Chess Camp
It is my pleasure to announce the Grand Prize winners for the July edition of the DCM Free Online Summer Chess Camp 2023. Hours of work and dedication definitely improved their chess and that is an awesome award in itself. Additionally, the top point earners will receive an autographed copy of GM Vinay Bhat’s new book,ContinueContinue reading “Congrats to the Winners of the August Free Online Summer Chess Camp”
Congrats to the Winners of the July Free Online Summer Chess Camp
It is my pleasure to announce the Grand Prize winners for the July edition of the DCM Free Online Summer Chess Camp 2023. Hours of work and dedication definitely improved their chess and that is an awesome award in itself. Additionally, the top point earners will receive an autographed copy of GM Vinay Bhat’s new book,ContinueContinue reading “Congrats to the Winners of the July Free Online Summer Chess Camp”
The passing of Richard Shorman, a legendary chess teacher in Northern California
My brief remarks on the passing of Richard Shorman, a legendary chess teacher in the Northern California chess community for over sixty years. https://youtu.be/Osz9RyhWzcY
Congrats to the Winners of the June Free Online Summer Chess Camp
It is my pleasure to announce the Grand Prize winners for the June edition of the DCM Free Online Summer Chess Camp 2023. Hours of work and dedication definitely improved their chess and that is an awesome award in itself. Additionally, the top point earners will receive an autographed copy of GM Vinay Bhat’s new book,ContinueContinue reading “Congrats to the Winners of the June Free Online Summer Chess Camp”
Photos from the 2023 CalChess K-5 Scholastic State Championship
This past weekend I was in attendance for the historic 2022-23 CalChess Scholastic State Championship and there was no place I rather be! Bay Area Chess put on a great tournament and as the CalChess Scholastic Coordinator I had the pleasure to review dozens of chess games and saying “hi” to hundreds of friends. BeingContinueContinue reading “Photos from the 2023 CalChess K-5 Scholastic State Championship”
Chess Memories of Birthdays Past
When I was a younger man, I didn’t need to take a day off to rest on my birthday (December 18th). I much preferred going to work, which for most of my adult life, means playing chess with young people. Kneeling next to Andrew Peng on my birthday in 2012. I turned 35 on DecemberContinueContinue reading “Chess Memories of Birthdays Past”
Highlights from the 2022 Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Finals in San Francisco
Chess fans around the globe were excited to watch some of our game’s biggest stars competing in the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Finals in San Francisco. The prestigious event took place on November 14-20, 2022. The format was a round-robin featuring eight elite chess competitors (GM Magnus Carlsen, GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda, GM Arjun Erigaisi, GMContinueContinue reading “Highlights from the 2022 Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Finals in San Francisco “
CalChess Journal Fall 2022
The Fall 2022 issue of the CalChess Journal is a whopping 33 pages filled with California chess news, Bay Area chess results and annotated games from NorCal chess players.